Bocco told Florida Today that her husband was deployed in April, almost a year after their wedding in her parents’ Palm Bay backyard.

The 21-year-old said Sancho was so shy that he first asked her out in 2006 by writing a note. She still has that note.

Sancho was based at Fort Drum, N.Y., with the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. His widow says he had planned to return to Florida on leave next month.